Trump Begins Construction of a $250 Million Ballroom at the White House

Wed Oct 22 2025 11:50:23 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Construction has started on a lavish new ballroom at the White House, set to cost $250 million. President Trump claims the project is privately funded, promising no taxpayer funds will be used. Initial promises of preserving the East Wing were abandoned as demolition begins.

President Trump has commenced work on a grand ballroom that will more than double the current event capacity at the White House. The project, which is set to cost $250 million, is touted to be privately financed, with a portion of the funding stemming from a settlement with YouTube. Initially, it was stated that the East Wing would remain intact, but construction has led to the demolition of certain parts. The ballroom is expected to accommodate up to 999 guests, providing an alternative to outdoor events previously held on the South Lawn.

Construction on President Trump's ambitious new ballroom has officially begun this week, with a cost projected at $250 million. This project raises questions about the use of taxpayer funds amidst promise from Trump that no public money will be used.

The 90,000-square-foot space will be almost twice the size of the existing main White House, allowing for events involving as many as 999 guests. Despite early statements indicating that no parts of the East Wing would be demolished during the construction, crews commenced tearing down parts of the structure to accommodate the ballroom project.

Trump expressed on social media that the entire budget would be covered by private donations from generous Patriots and corporations, including a notable $22 million contribution from YouTube as part of a settlement related to a 2021 lawsuit against the platform.

While historic changes to the White House have often been met with skepticism, this orchestra of renovations follows a long tradition of previous administrations altering the iconic building for various reasons.

The White House has not provided comprehensive updates on who the other specific donors are, but there are pending promises for transparency regarding the funding details.

Amid the construction, criticism arose about the need for a ballroom, given the recent trend of utilizing the East Room for large state functions, which holds up to 200 guests.